Kokin with a favorite model Deborah Fenker – photos by Marilyn Kirschner
Ah! The Merry Month of May! This is a busy time of the year for Vanessa Noel and Kokin. Ms. Noel is excited about the launch of her first fine jewelry collection later this year. Jewelry is a longtime love, along with shoes, many bejeweled.
Vanessa Noel Shoe Boutique
The idea solidified after Noel dreamt that her father encouraged her to pursue her passion. But for now, Vanessa is busy working on custom shoe orders for upcoming weddings.
“When you put a great hat on, you don’t even have to speak. The hat communicates for you.” – Kokin
Deborah modeling a Kokin hat surrounded by Vanessa Noel’s shoes
KOKIN is working 7 days a week. This is his Christmas. “I’m working on so many custom orders right now (for the Kentucky Derby, the Central Park Hat Luncheon, and Ascot), I honestly don’t even count because if I could count, I wouldn’t get out of bed.”
Deborah models a fantastical brimmed hat.
While fascinators and cocktail hats are traditionally the most popular styles for these high-profile events, more women want an “important” hat with a brim.
Kokin for Ralph Lauren
Kokin launched his eponymous collection in 1982. His millinery mastery was instantly recognized and sought after by such industry giants as Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Pauline Trigere, Giorgio di Sant Angelo, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, and Zac Posen.
Alicia Keyes wears Kokin
Kokin’s diverse, multi-generational clientele includes socialites and celebrities. Kokin creates all the hats for hip-hop artist Lauryn Hill. Alicia Keyes often performs in his rakish hats.
Joan Collins wears a Kokin newsboy cap.
Joan Collins loves Kokin’s newsboy caps. Barbra Streisand wears Kokin’s creations in her garden. Bette Midler wears them for bad hair days.
Linda Evangelista wearing Kokin’s hat and Saint Laurent jacket, April Harper’s Bazaar, photo by Anthony Seklaoui
Other A-list fans include Linda Evangelista, Jessica Chastain, Julia Roberts, Lady Gaga, Raquel Welch, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sophia Lauren, Jennifer Lopez, Cher, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce, Bianca Jagger, and Sharon Stone, the always provocative client.
Kokin statement-makers
The renowned hat designer loves putting his “crowning visions” on ordinary women who are not models or actresses. “I’ve seen wallflowers completely transform with a great hat”. Indeed, women walk differently and hold their heads differently when they find the perfect hat, says Kokin.
More hats
A woman can hide under a hat, or it can bring out her personality. It just depends on what she wants to get out of the hat. Even if she doesn’t consider herself a hat person, Kokin can change that.
“I am best known for “classics with a twist”, but if a customer wants something truly special and exciting to match her outfit, I am very good at that. If a woman gets gum stuck on her shoe, I can match that as well” – Kokin
Sharon Jacob wearing a custom Kokin hat
Kokin’s loyal non-celebrity customers include socialites/philanthropists such as Sharon Jacob, Christine Swarzman, Jean Shafiroff, Maria Fishel, Pamela Morgan, and Sylvia Hemingway. They come to him because they trust that he will go to the ends of the earth to create the perfect hat. Budget is usually not a constraint.
Take your pick
The price range is generally $495 – $5000, but the very special hats, like those at the trunk show, are priced from approximately $1895 and up.
Not counting a $14,000 custom bridal veil with pearls and crystals Kokin created, the most expensive hat he made ($6,000) was for a woman who attended the FLO Awards Luncheon in 2019. She wore a printed Libertine dress and jacket, and Kokin made a silk top hat covered in flowers.
